I was thinking about random knife subjects and was trying to think of what knife I want the most. for some reason the term "grail knife" popped into my head and that took me in another direction. I have looked at thousands of knives but I have never seen one specifically designed for a military sailor. I have spent years looking for the perfect on duty knife and have yet to find it.
In the Coast Guard, Myerchins are popular due to function but they have their drawbacks. I have the Offshore Folder Pro and I can't keep it sharp worth spit, it is heavy as hell, smooth as sandpaper, the lock sucks and there is no pocket clip. So here is what my concept requirements are:
Blade: I prefer spear points but I would leave the shape up to the pros. It just needs to be an excellent slicer as it would have to cut line ranging in sizes from twine to 3 inch, hoses, belts, tarps, straps, etc. but also be strong enough to punch through fiberglass and thin aluminum. I am thinking blade length between 3.5 and 3.75 inches. I personally don't like serrations but the average sailor is not going to sharpen their knife as often as they should so maintaining some functionality through partial serrations is probably a good idea. The thumb studs/thumb hole needs to be big enough to handle gloves as this knife would see use from Antarctica to Alaska. The Gerber/Hinderer CLS has pretty good glove friendly thumb studs, for example.
Handle: I think it should be well textured and somewhat thick like a WilkinsGrip. Thick enough to be comfortable in gloves. I would love G10 but there is another problem I will get to later. The search and rescue part of me wants orange but the LE/boarding officer in me wants black. It needs a good lanyard hole (loose enough knives in a couple hundred feet of water and your begin to appreciate the lanyard.) The biggest thing would be a good marlin spike (goes along with that whole sailor and line and knots thing). I have found it to be very useful and I would consider it a deal breaker. this is, after all, a sailor's knife. A window punch would be nice as well. The BM AFO II is a good example of the lanyard hole/window punch combo.
Lock: no real particular lock in mind (I love the Axis lock) but it needs to be real strong. Not only to take abuse but the lack of readily available medical care in the middle of the ocean means one can't have a lock fail and injure yourself. If it's a liner lock, it has to be ZT thick.
Overall, there are a few more requirements. It needs to be absolutely corrosion resistant. It will be exposed to sea water, fresh water, salt, snow, ice, oil, desiel, grease, bilge water, etc. I am thinking Spyderco H1 tough for the blade but the liners/grips must be tough as well. Once again, the average sailor won't clean his knife off after every use and exposure so it needs to be tough enough to handle a six or nine month patrol in the Deadliest Seas type Bering Sea weather with minimal maintenance.
Here is the catch and the problem I alluded to earlier: this all needs to be done for around 100 to 125 bucks. This would be bought by/for E2/E3/E4/E5 sailors who can't afford a Sebenza/Stryder price tag (hell, I can't afford a Sebenza!) It would try to target the junior enlisted who complete day to day operations and need good gear but can't afford some 300 dollar price tag. As I continue writing this I am thinking along the lines of a Spyderco Military but with a thicker handle and the lanyard hole/marlin spike/window punch or maybe a larger version Griptillian with the same.
I know this is a concept but any feedback, opinions, or thoughts would be appreciated. Does anyone think this is even possible at the price point that is required?
Thanks!
In the Coast Guard, Myerchins are popular due to function but they have their drawbacks. I have the Offshore Folder Pro and I can't keep it sharp worth spit, it is heavy as hell, smooth as sandpaper, the lock sucks and there is no pocket clip. So here is what my concept requirements are:
Blade: I prefer spear points but I would leave the shape up to the pros. It just needs to be an excellent slicer as it would have to cut line ranging in sizes from twine to 3 inch, hoses, belts, tarps, straps, etc. but also be strong enough to punch through fiberglass and thin aluminum. I am thinking blade length between 3.5 and 3.75 inches. I personally don't like serrations but the average sailor is not going to sharpen their knife as often as they should so maintaining some functionality through partial serrations is probably a good idea. The thumb studs/thumb hole needs to be big enough to handle gloves as this knife would see use from Antarctica to Alaska. The Gerber/Hinderer CLS has pretty good glove friendly thumb studs, for example.
Handle: I think it should be well textured and somewhat thick like a WilkinsGrip. Thick enough to be comfortable in gloves. I would love G10 but there is another problem I will get to later. The search and rescue part of me wants orange but the LE/boarding officer in me wants black. It needs a good lanyard hole (loose enough knives in a couple hundred feet of water and your begin to appreciate the lanyard.) The biggest thing would be a good marlin spike (goes along with that whole sailor and line and knots thing). I have found it to be very useful and I would consider it a deal breaker. this is, after all, a sailor's knife. A window punch would be nice as well. The BM AFO II is a good example of the lanyard hole/window punch combo.
Lock: no real particular lock in mind (I love the Axis lock) but it needs to be real strong. Not only to take abuse but the lack of readily available medical care in the middle of the ocean means one can't have a lock fail and injure yourself. If it's a liner lock, it has to be ZT thick.
Overall, there are a few more requirements. It needs to be absolutely corrosion resistant. It will be exposed to sea water, fresh water, salt, snow, ice, oil, desiel, grease, bilge water, etc. I am thinking Spyderco H1 tough for the blade but the liners/grips must be tough as well. Once again, the average sailor won't clean his knife off after every use and exposure so it needs to be tough enough to handle a six or nine month patrol in the Deadliest Seas type Bering Sea weather with minimal maintenance.
Here is the catch and the problem I alluded to earlier: this all needs to be done for around 100 to 125 bucks. This would be bought by/for E2/E3/E4/E5 sailors who can't afford a Sebenza/Stryder price tag (hell, I can't afford a Sebenza!) It would try to target the junior enlisted who complete day to day operations and need good gear but can't afford some 300 dollar price tag. As I continue writing this I am thinking along the lines of a Spyderco Military but with a thicker handle and the lanyard hole/marlin spike/window punch or maybe a larger version Griptillian with the same.
I know this is a concept but any feedback, opinions, or thoughts would be appreciated. Does anyone think this is even possible at the price point that is required?
Thanks!
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